Florida’s Reading and Math Scores Plunge to 20-Year Low on Nation’s Report Card : Organically Human

In early 2025, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), commonly known as the Nation’s Report Card, released its latest findings, revealing a significant decline in Florida’s reading and math scores. These results indicate that the state’s educational performance has reached its lowest point in over two decades, raising concerns among educators, policymakers, and parents.

Overview of the NAEP Findings

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The 2024 NAEP assessments evaluated fourth and eighth-grade students across the United States in reading and mathematics. The data showed a nationwide decline in reading proficiency, with average scores decreasing by 2 points for both grades compared to 2022. In mathematics, fourth-grade students experienced a modest 2-point increase, while eighth-grade scores remained stagnant. Notably, the assessments highlighted a widening achievement gap between higher and lower-performing students, exacerbating existing educational disparities.

Florida’s Performance in Context

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Florida’s results mirrored the national trend but with more pronounced declines. The state’s eighth-grade reading scores have not significantly improved since 1998 and have once again fallen below the national average, ranking 44th in the nation. In mathematics, eighth-grade students performed worse than in 2003, with the state ranking 41st nationally. Fourth-grade reading scores also showed a pattern of decline since 2017, and while still above the national average, there has been no significant improvement since 2002.

These declines are particularly concerning given Florida’s previous reputation for educational progress. The state had been recognized for its early literacy initiatives and accountability measures, which once positioned it as a model for educational reform. The current downturn suggests that previous gains have not been sustained, prompting a reevaluation of existing policies and practices.

Factors Contributing to the Decline in Florida’s Reading and Math Scores

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The drop in Florida’s reading and math scores, as reflected in the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results, is alarming. While many states have struggled in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida’s situation is particularly concerning given its long-standing reputation for education reform. A variety of interwoven factors have contributed to this decline, ranging from pandemic-related disruptions to systemic issues in funding, curriculum shifts, and teacher shortages. Below is a deeper look at the most significant contributors to the decline in student performance.

1. The Lingering Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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One of the most immediate and widely acknowledged factors behind the decline in student performance is the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The abrupt shift to remote learning in 2020 and the ongoing adjustments in the years that followed left a lasting impact on students, particularly those in younger grades who were developing foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

Learning Loss and Skill Gaps: Research has shown that students who were in critical learning phases—such as early elementary school—experienced setbacks that have been difficult to recover from. Fourth-grade students, for example, missed out on in-person instruction during key developmental years, which significantly affected their ability to grasp foundational reading and math concepts.
Remote Learning Disparities: Many students lacked access to stable internet connections, digital devices, or a quiet learning environment at home. Lower-income families were disproportionately affected, leading to a widening gap in educational achievement between socioeconomically advantaged and disadvantaged students.
Behavioral and Social-Emotional Effects: Beyond academics, students faced heightened anxiety, stress, and mental health struggles due to social isolation and uncertainty. Many teachers have reported that students are less engaged, struggle with attention span issues, and exhibit greater difficulty in maintaining academic discipline compared to pre-pandemic years.

While other states have experienced similar challenges, Florida’s swift reopening of schools in 2021 did not automatically reverse these effects, and in some cases, it led to inconsistent educational quality depending on school district policies.

2. Chronic Absenteeism and Student Disengagement

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Another major contributor to Florida’s declining scores is an increase in student absenteeism. The number of students missing substantial portions of the school year has surged since the pandemic, and this trend has had a direct impact on learning outcomes.

Rising Rates of Chronic Absenteeism: Studies have found that missing just 10% or more of the school year (around 18 days) can significantly hinder a student’s ability to keep up academically. In Florida, school districts have reported an increase in students missing instructional days, particularly in urban areas with high poverty rates.
Lack of Academic Recovery Programs: While some states have implemented aggressive intervention programs to address absenteeism-related learning loss, Florida’s approach has been uneven. Some districts have implemented tutoring and remedial programs, while others have struggled to provide adequate resources for students who fall behind.

Without consistent attendance, students miss critical lessons, struggle to catch up, and ultimately perform poorly on standardized assessments.

3. Teacher Shortages and Retention Issues

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Florida has faced a teacher shortage crisis for years, and the situation has only worsened. Fewer qualified educators in classrooms means larger class sizes, less individualized attention for students, and increased stress on the existing teaching workforce.

Low Teacher Pay and High Turnover: Florida ranks among the lowest states in the nation for average teacher salaries. Many experienced educators have left the profession or moved to states with better compensation and support. The resulting turnover has led to more inexperienced teachers leading classrooms, which can negatively impact student learning.
Filling the Gaps with Underqualified Staff: To address teacher shortages, some districts have hired long-term substitutes or individuals without traditional teaching backgrounds, which has raised concerns about instructional quality. When students are taught by educators who lack proper training, their academic growth suffers.
Burnout and Classroom Challenges: Teachers have reported increasing levels of burnout due to growing workloads, larger class sizes, and stricter curriculum requirements. Many are unable to provide the individualized attention that struggling students need to succeed.

Addressing the teacher shortage issue will require increased salaries, better working conditions, and more incentives to attract and retain qualified educators.

4. Shifts in Educational Policy and Curriculum Overhauls

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Frequent changes in educational policies and curriculum requirements have led to inconsistencies in instruction. These changes can make it difficult for educators to maintain continuity in their teaching strategies, impacting student comprehension and performance.

Standardized Test Emphasis vs. Holistic Learning: Florida has historically placed a strong emphasis on standardized testing, but many educators argue that this approach has led to “teaching to the test” rather than fostering deep learning. As a result, students may lack critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for long-term academic success.
Politicization of Curriculum: Florida has been at the center of national debates over curriculum content, particularly in subjects like history, reading, and science. Some educators and parents argue that these debates have distracted from core academic priorities, leading to uncertainty over what should be taught in classrooms.
New Literacy and Math Standards: Florida has adopted new literacy and math frameworks in recent years, replacing Common Core with the BEST (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) Standards. While these changes were designed to improve learning outcomes, the transition period has been challenging for both teachers and students, potentially contributing to lower scores.

A stable, well-researched, and evidence-based curriculum is essential for long-term student success. Constant changes, especially those made for political rather than educational reasons, disrupt learning continuity.

5. Underfunding and Resource Disparities in Schools

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Funding disparities between schools have further exacerbated the issue of declining scores. While some wealthier districts have been able to implement intervention programs and hire additional support staff, underfunded schools—particularly those serving low-income communities—have struggled.

Florida’s Low Ranking in Education Spending: Florida consistently ranks near the bottom in per-student spending compared to other states. Insufficient funding means that many schools lack adequate resources for updated textbooks, technology, and after-school tutoring programs that could help struggling students.
Vouchers and Diverted Public Funds: The state’s increasing reliance on private school vouchers has diverted funding away from traditional public schools. While school choice advocates argue that vouchers give parents more options, critics contend that they drain resources from already struggling public schools.
Lack of Support Services for At-Risk Students: Schools serving high-poverty communities often lack enough counselors, intervention specialists, and special education services. Without these supports, students who fall behind in reading and math have fewer opportunities to catch up.

Investing in equitable funding, expanding academic support programs, and ensuring that all schools have access to high-quality resources could help bridge the achievement gap.

6. Parental Involvement and Community Support

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Parental engagement plays a crucial role in student success, but various challenges have weakened the connection between families and schools in recent years.

Working Parents and Time Constraints: Many families, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, have parents working multiple jobs, making it harder for them to be actively involved in their children’s education.
Declining Participation in School Programs: Parent-teacher conferences, school board meetings, and volunteer programs have seen lower participation rates, leading to reduced collaboration between schools and families.
Community Disruptions from Hurricanes and Economic Struggles: Florida’s frequent hurricanes and rising cost of living have created additional stressors for families, making it harder for parents to focus on their children’s academic progress.

Encouraging greater parental involvement through flexible engagement programs and school-community partnerships could help reinforce learning outside of the classroom.

Responses and Reactions

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The release of the NAEP results has elicited varied responses from state officials and educational organizations. Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. questioned the credibility of the assessment, citing potential flaws in methodology and expressing concerns about its reflection of Florida’s educational landscape. In contrast, the FEA emphasized the need for increased investment in public education, advocating for fair wages for educators and the depoliticization of classrooms to create conducive learning environments.

Implications for the Future

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The decline in Florida’s reading and math scores underscores the urgency for comprehensive educational reforms. Addressing the root causes of these declines requires a multifaceted approach:

Investment in Educators: Competitive salaries and professional development opportunities are essential to attract and retain qualified teachers. Empowering educators with the tools and support they need can enhance instructional quality and student outcomes.
Equitable Resource Distribution: Ensuring that all schools, particularly those in underserved communities, have access to adequate resources can help bridge the achievement gap. This includes technology, instructional materials, and support services.
Evidence-Based Interventions: Implementing programs grounded in research, such as targeted tutoring and early literacy initiatives, can address learning deficits effectively. Monitoring and evaluating these interventions are crucial to ensure their efficacy.
Community and Parental Engagement: Fostering strong partnerships between schools, families, and communities can create supportive learning environments. Engaged parents and community members can reinforce educational priorities and contribute to student success.

Florida’s recent decline in reading and math scores, as highlighted by the 2024 NAEP assessments, serves as a critical call to action for stakeholders at all levels. By collaboratively addressing the identified challenges and implementing strategic, evidence-based solutions, there is potential to reverse this downward trend and ensure that all students in the Sunshine State receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.